History and Culture
The Big Temple Chariot Symbol on Nayak Period Coins
- Context : Numismatic researchers have stated that the symbol of the Thanjavur Big Temple (Brihadisvara Temple) chariot is engraved on the coins issued during the Thanjavur Nayak rule.
- Tamil temple chariots are built in the Dravidian architectural style and have been depicted not only in inscriptions, sculptures, paintings, and literature but also on coinage.
- It is believed that these coins were likely issued during temple festival seasons to commemorate the chariot festival.
- Under the Vijayanagara Empire, Nayak kings issued various types of coins featuring chariot motifs.
- Two types of coins found in the Chola region have been identified as belonging to the Thanjavur Nayak period, as they feature the chariot symbol.
- This is a copper coin weighing 2.3 grams. It features an image of a bull (Nandi), with the sun and moon above it, and a chariot depicted in the background.
- This is also a copper coin, weighing 0.64 grams. It features an image of Lord Ganesha on the obverse and a chariot symbol on the reverse.
Environment
Nilgiri Tahr Census
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- Context: To ensure the long-term protection of the Nilgiri Tahr, the state animal of Tamil Nadu, various special schemes are being implemented by the Government of Tamil Nadu. As part of this, an integrated Nilgiri Tahr census is being conducted in collaboration with the Kerala Forest Department.
- This census is conducted annually after the winter calving season, when young animals are seen with mature herds.
- In the first integrated census held in 2024, the number of Tahrs was estimated at 1,031.
- In the second integrated census held in 2025, the number of Nilgiri Tahrs was estimated at 1,303.
- During this study, the continuous use of newly re-colonized habitats like Pasumalai was confirmed, as well as the return of this species to areas that had not been seen for over a decade (10 years). In this, many of the surveyed landscapes align with the places described in Sangam literature.
- Following this, the 3rd integrated census operations began last Friday (April 24). This work, which continues until April 27, is being conducted over an area of more than 3,100 km across Tamil Nadu, covering 14 forest divisions, 43 forest ranges, 124 forest sections, and 177 survey blocks.
- The survey is being conducted from Ashambu Mottai in Kanyakumari to Thavalamalai in Gudalur.
About the Nilgiri Tahr
- The Nilgiri Tahr is the state animal of Tamil Nadu. Its cultural and environmental importance was recorded 2,000 years ago in ancient Sangam literature such as Silappathikaram and Seevaga Chinthamani.
- “Ongu Maalvarai Varaiyaadu Uzhakalin Udaithungu Peruthen.” The meaning of this is: “The Tahr that wanders on the high mountains,” as mentioned in Seevaga Chinthamani.
- The Nilgiri Tahr is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List and is provided the highest level of legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Project Nilgiri Tahr
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- The Government of Tamil Nadu launched the “Project Nilgiri Tahr” on December 28, 2022, to protect the Nilgiri Tahr species, expand its habitat, and create awareness among the public.
- The main objectives of this project are to calculate the population through research and radio telemetry, reintroduce them to historical habitats, eliminate threats, and increase awareness.
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- The total estimated cost of this project is ₹25.14 crore.
- This project is being implemented from 2022 to 2027.
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- October 7 is observed as ‘Nilgiri Tahr Day’ in honor of E. R. C. Davidar, who conducted one of the early studies on this species in 1975.
- The Nilgiri Tahr is the only mountain-dwelling ungulate (hoofed animal) found in South India.
- According to the 2015 report of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), their population was estimated to be around 3,122.
